Social Studies

Grade Level	State of Georgia Mandated Curriculum	Clayton County Curriculum
Kindergarten	Symbols Of America	In kindergarten, the students begin to understand the foundations of the social studies strands: history, geography, government, and economics. Students begin their introduction to United States history through the study of important American holidays and symbols. Basic concepts of cultural and physical geography are presented. Civics provides students with an introduction to rules and character traits of good citizens. Basic economic concepts are also introduced.
First Grade	American Heroes	In the first grade, students continue their introduction to United States history through the study of selected historical figures. In the history strand, students study the important contributions each historical person made. In the geography strand, students learn about where these historical people lived and explore important basic geographic concepts. The civics strand provides a study of the positive character traits exhibited by these important historical figures. The economics strand continues the introduction of basic economic concepts.
Second Grade	Georgia, My State	In second grade, the various social studies strands become more woven around the historical strand. The history strand focuses on important historical figures in Georgia and the Creek and Cherokee cultures in Georgia. The geography strand emphasizes the geography of Georgia and relates that to the historical study. In addition to the positive character traits of the individuals and groups in the historical strand, the basic concept of government is also introduced. Basic economics concepts continue to be introduced and are related to the historical strand.
Third Grade	Our Democratic Heritage	In third grade, students conclude their introduction to United States history by studying the origins of American democracy. The historical strand compares ancient Greek democracy in Athens with that of the United States and introduces selected Americans who have been important in ensuring our rights. The geography strand relates primarily to the people discussed in the history strand. In the government strand students begin the study of the foundations of a republican form of government. The economics strand continues the introduction of basic economics concepts.
Fourth Grade	United States History to 1860	In fourth grade, students begin the formal study of United States history. At this grade, the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students begin their study of United States history with the development of Native American cultures and conclude with the antebellum period ending in 1860. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on early U. S. history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights development during the formation of our government. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.
Fifth Grade	United States History since 1860	In fifth grade, students continue their formal study of United States history. As with fourth grade, the strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students study United States history beginning with the Civil War and continue to the present. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on U. S. history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights as outlined in amendments to the U. S. Constitution. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.